Menopause Support Group
Menopause is the physiological cessation of menstrual cycles associated with advancing age. It normally occurs in women between the ages of 45 and 55, when the body begins to slow and stop the production of eggs, estrogen and progesterone production decreases, and menstruation diminishes, eventually stopping altogether.
Hi ladies,
I am having a large dermoid cyst removed on Friday and my GYN told me that the best way to handle it is to have an oophorectomy (I know that is spelled wrong). She said she would only have to remove the right ovary that the cyst is near or attached to. She assured me that I would not go right into menopause because the other ovary would compensate for the right ovary she removes. I told her I would rather keep both ovaries and she said she will do her best to do that. Has anyone had this surgery with or without removal of one or both ovaries. Thank you for any advice.
I am having a large dermoid cyst removed on Friday and my GYN told me that the best way to handle it is to have an oophorectomy (I know that is spelled wrong). She said she would only have to remove the right ovary that the cyst is near or attached to. She assured me that I would not go right into menopause because the other ovary would compensate for the right ovary she removes. I told her I would rather keep both ovaries and she said she will do her best to do that. Has anyone had this surgery with or without removal of one or both ovaries. Thank you for any advice.
Oophorectomy and hysterectomy are GROSSLY overused in the U.S. A gynecologist who does many cystectomies would give you the best chance of keeping your ovary or at least a small piece to continue to produce hormones. Although the other ovary MAY take over for the one removed, there is no guarantee. I had a friend who had an ovary removed in her early 20's and her doctor told her this. And I have seen women go into a surgical type menopause (different from natural meno) after having one ovary removed. Removal of any part of the "reproductive" system can disrupt the feedback loop between the uterus, ovaries, and tubes.
I have connected with many women who have had hysterectomies and/or oophorectomies and are suffering the adverse effects. Most wish they had pushed for organ-sparing treatments.
Before going into surgery, be sure the consent form is explicit about what may and may not be removed and under what circumstances. I believe dermoid cysts (and MOST other cysts for that matter) are benign so cancer should not be an issue.
If your insurance balks at covering cystectomy, you can appeal. Blue Cross Blue Shield of CA was forced by CA's Board of Insurance to cover cystectomy when a woman refused ovary removal. BCBS lost and had to pay 100% of the out-of-network surgeon's fee plus had to pay a fine to the insurance board. I doubt this appeal process would have been required if we were talking about a man's testicle (equivalent of the ovary)!!
Feel free to message me if you'd like.
Thank you all for your good wishes and prayers. My surgery was moved to this Friday. I will insist that the doctor do everything she can to save both ovaries. It is a difficult thing we are all going through and this site as well as all of you are a blessing.
This too shall pass!
I had a large cyst removed from an ovary when I was 26 y/o, during a laproscopy for an ectopic pregnancy (where they discovered the cyst on the ovary also). They were able to save my ovary and just removed the cyst and it wasn't cancer (they sent it to pathology while I was still knocked out).
Prayers being sent your way.
--Anne